I Tried to Return But Couldn’t – Ganduje Clears Air on Absence During Tinubu’s Visit

The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has clarified the circumstances surrounding his absence during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit to Kano State. According to iReporter Online, Ganduje, through a formal statement issued by his former Chief of Staff, Malam Muhammad Garba, explained that he was away on a long-standing personal engagement in London that coincidentally clashed with the President’s trip.

Garba stated that Ganduje had received prior notice about Tinubu’s planned visit to Kano to condole with the family of the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata but was unable to adjust his travel itinerary despite several efforts. He dismissed the swirling rumours suggesting that the former Kano governor was either sidelined or suffering from health-related issues. He stressed that Ganduje had made “frantic efforts” to return but was constrained by unavoidable logistics.

Further comments from Garba revealed that while physically absent, Ganduje remained actively engaged and in constant communication with senior party leaders in Kano, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the state APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, to ensure the President’s visit went smoothly. According to iReporter Online, the former APC chairman stayed in touch virtually every few hours, coordinating remotely and offering support.

The statement also addressed speculations about a political fallout between President Tinubu and Ganduje following the latter’s resignation as APC National Chairman. Garba firmly denied such claims, emphasizing that Ganduje’s decision to step down had no bearing on the enduring political alliance and personal friendship he shares with President Tinubu. Their relationship, he said, is grounded in years of mutual respect, trust, and aligned political vision.

In reaffirming his loyalty, Ganduje, through Garba, reiterated the Kano APC’s unflinching support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to iReporter Online, he assured that the party remains united, focused, and fully committed to the leadership and policies of the current administration.

President Tinubu had on Friday visited Kano to offer condolences to the families of the late elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, and the revered Islamic cleric, Sheikh Nasiru Kabara, an event that sparked public interest due to Ganduje’s noticeable absence. The clarification now aims to quell rumours and reaffirm unity within the APC’s top ranks.